GSIT Program Admissions Entry Tests Schedule

The fall 2017 GSIT Admissions Entry Tests will be held in two rounds. To determine the testing dates, click here. (coming soon)

Applicants who meet the general university admissions criteria will be contacted in early March regarding the day and time of their written and oral exams. Due to the volume of applications, it will not be possible to accommodate all scheduling requests. For an overview of the Admissions Entry Tests, click here (coming soon). Detailed information is provided at the GSIT information sessions. Contact Esperanza Pombo, Academic Director, GSIT, for more information at epombo@umd.edu.

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Community Language Initiative

Background:
The Community Languages Initiative (CLI) is a student-led organization affiliated with Graduate Studies in Interpreting and Translation (GSIT) within the Department of Communication (Department) at the University of Maryland. CLI was formed by the Department and students to respond to a real need within the community of charitable organizations for help with essential language services. Click here for the Community Language Initiative Request for Services.

CLI Mission:
CLI aims to improve language access in local communities in the State of Maryland and the Washington D.C. area by offering voluntary, pro bono interpreting and translation services of GSIT graduate students to non-profit organizations that cannot afford such services. Participating volunteers receive valuable learning opportunities that they complete on their own time and may incorporate into their academic program. GSIT and Department faculty and instructors supervise all projects.

Eligibility
Organizations that satisfy the following criteria are eligible to participate in the CLI:

Have non-profit 501(c) status or be in the process of obtaining such status

Provide a compelling case as to why they need to receive the service

Provide Form 990 or audited financial statements

On-site service areas are limited to Maryland, the District of Columbia, and North Virginia.

Selected organizations may be required to cover the cost of interpreting equipment, transportation expenses, and other overhead costs.

Application Process
Applicants must submit an application form, proof of financial need, and a short narrative describing their need for free CLI services. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Selection criteria include geographical location (for providing on-site services), the availability of graduate students with the required language combination, the nature and frequency of the requested services, and the feasibility of completing the work within the requested period. Requests demonstrating an urgent humanitarian need or emergency situation receive higher priority.

Applications should be submitted at least two weeks in advance of a particular scheduled service need. Requests to perform large translation projects will require substantially more lead time. Applying organizations are normally notified of their eligibility and the feasibility of CLI to fulfill their request within three business days. Applications should be sent to Esperanza Pombo, Academic Director of the GSIT program, at epombo@umd.edu.

GSIT in the News

Below are online articles about Graduate Studies in Interpreting and Translation:

Summer Interpreting and Translation Research Institute August 2-7, 2015 at Gallaudet University. For more information, click here.